October is here, and by the end of the month, a new teen court program could be training jurors to judge their peers in Illinois, with the goal of curbing juvenile delinquency. In addition, a new report from the Brennan Center for Justice has made some thoughtful recommendations for federal prosecutors that could have a significant impact on prison reform.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada have discovered a disturbing trend involving suicide, mental illness, and segregation cells, and Wyoming is seeing great reductions in recidivism rates thanks to a strong prison education program. In our video of the week, enjoy a performance from the Kennedy Center that was written and scored completely behind bars.

Finally, don't forget to join us on October 8th for the next Center For
Prison Reform weekly call-in from 2-2:30PM EST. All are
welcome; dial (605) 562-3140 and use the participant code 408388#.

Edwina Rogers

Edwina Rogers
Executive Director
Center For Prison Reform

Federal Prosecution for the 21st Century

In a new report from the Brennan Center for Justice, researchers scrutinized the role of federal prosecutors in the criminal justice process, and proposed guidelines that could shape the future of prison reform. Could a new set of goals make all the difference?

Illinois Prepares for Teen Court

Juvenile delinquency is commonly considered a stepping stone to an adult criminal record, and a new program in southwestern Illinois is looking to change that. Teens who admit guilt and stand before a jury of their peers will soon have the chance to keep their records clean.

Wyoming's Prison Education Programs Curb Recidivism

Wyoming boasts the second best recidivism rate in the country, and their educational programs may be a big part of their success, giving inmates confidence and better job prospects upon release. Why are these programs so important?

Inmate Suicides in Canada

A recent report has shown that almost half of the inmate suicides in Canada are of prisoners held in segregation units. Previous mandates to make the units safer and to provide extra safeguards for mentally ill inmates have failed, and the chief correctional inspector wants to know why.

Video of the Week

This week's video is a creative performance written and composed by incarcerated playwrights and poets. Brought to the public by the Safe Street Arts Foundation, "From Prison to the Stage" was performed at the Kennedy Center as part of the Page-to-Stage Festival.